December 9, 2016

INSIDE:

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

This Year’s Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

DECEMBER 9–22, 2016 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 23

2016 San Juan Winter Prep Sports Preview Local athletes ready for exciting new season S P O R T S / PAG E 2 5 L to R: Rylee Hanes, Isabella Bellinghausen, Danielle Satterwhite and Marissa Destefani make up a strong core of returning veterans for the San Juan Hills girls soccer team. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Northwest Open Space Project Moves Forward EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

El Nido Owner Sues City over Rejected Rent Hike EYE ON SJC/PAGE 3

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Tree Lighting Dazzles Thousands at HTC Park SJC LIVING/PAGE 19

LAST CHANCE! VOTE FOR THE BEST OF SAN JUAN AT THECAPISTRANODISPATCH.COM

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week Northwest Open Space Park Project Moves Forward without Delay THE LATEST: The City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to move forward with the Northwest Open Space community park project by utilizing its current contractor, NUVIS, for design work rather than initiating a Request for Proposals process, which staff said would have delayed the project for several months.

The vote also included removing or reducing five elements in the park’s design—which were identified as unnecessary by the park’s Putuidem committee— for a cost savings of $202,000, including: removing an equestrian ADA ramp from the staging area; removing bleachers with a shade structure in the staging area; reducing the scope of the picnic area entry monument/signage; reducing the shrubbery by half while maintaining all culturally significant plants; and more.

Councilman Reeve said he voted no because, while he supports the project, “there are certain financial realities” the city has to face.

“Many residents want to develop or improve properties like The Oaks … Reata Park, the sports park, Los Rios Phase II, the skatepark, etc., and right now we don’t have any money,” Reeve said. “We could do some of those things, but we’re spending all of the money on this park.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The final park design will return to the Council for approval.

City Manager Ben Siegel said with the aforementioned cost savings, no further appropriation of funds will be needed for the city’s $1.7 million design budget.

—Allison Jarrell

Final Decision Could Be Made Thursday on SDG&E Substation Expansion THE LATEST: After continuing the discussion on Oct. 27, the California Public Utilities Commission could make its final decision on the location of San Diego Gas & Electric’s South Orange County Reliability Enhancement (SOCRE) project at its Dec. 15 meeting in San Francisco.

The $91 million SOCRE project is a The Capistrano Dispatch December 9–22, 2016

proposal by SDG&E to expand its current substation in San Juan Capistrano’s residential Las Brisas neighborhood by rebuilding and upgrading a portion of its transmission infrastructure. The project aims to create a redundant electrical system that would rely on two substations rather than just the current facility in Talega.

In April 2016, a Final Environmental Impact Review for the project was released, which included a new “environmentally superior” project option, called Alternative J. Rather than expanding in San Juan, the alternative involves the expansion of SDG&E’s existing Trabuco substation in Laguna Niguel.

San Juan Capistrano city officials oppose the substation expansion in town due to its proximity to residents’ homes, while Laguna Niguel and SDG&E officials argue that the alternative Trabuco expansion would cost $100 million more and would require using eminent domain to remove two businesses from the city.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Dec. 15 CPUC meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. To read more about the proposed expansion, or to view a webcast of the meeting, visit www.cpuc. ca.gov. —AJ

cussed the lawsuit during its Dec. 6 closed session meeting. The city has 30 days after being served to file a response to the suit. —AJ

Residents Will Vote on City Council Term Limits in 2018

El Nido Mobile Estates Owner Sues City over Rejected Rent Hike THE LATEST: Following the denial of a $403 proposed rent increase in October, attorneys representing Richard Worley, the owner of El Nido Mobile Estates, filed a lawsuit on Nov. 30 claiming the city incorrectly interpreted and applied its rent control ordinance and refused to grant El Nido “an appropriate rent increase.”

On Oct. 17, the City Council voted unanimously, with Mayor Pam Patterson absent, to deny the proposed $403 rent increase per month for each unit in El Nido Mobile Estates. Instead, the Council approved a $9.50 increase per month.

The complaint filed by attorney Robert Coldren, representing Worley, names the city of San Juan Capistrano, the City Council and the city’s Housing Advisory Committee as defendants, and requests that a judge invalidate the city’s Oct. 17 resolution, allow the rent increase proposed by Worley, or appoint a new hearing officer to reconsider the rent increase.

This is the second consecutive year that El Nido has sought a rent increase.

Last year, Worley sought a $641 increase per unit per month, which was denied by the City Council for not being a “fair and reasonable” increase. The amount was lowered to $37 a month.

WHAT’S NEXT: The City Council dis-

Following two consecutive years of denied rent hikes, attorneys representing El Nido Mobile Estates filed a lawsuit against the city on Nov. 30. Photo: Allison Jarrell

THE LATEST: The City Council voted 3-2 on Tuesday— Councilmen Derek Reeve and Sam Allevato opposed—to move forward with establishing two-year Council term limits with a two-year cooling off period.

Per state law, creating term limits requires a majority voter approval, so Tuesday’s vote means a measure will be placed on the Nov. 6, 2018 general election ballot.

Staff estimates the measure will cost $8,500 in addition to the $22,756-$28,963 cost of the general municipal election.

There was only one public comment from resident Stephanie Heredia, who questioned why staff is comparing cities with at-large voting to San Juan, which switched to by-district elections.

WHAT’S NEXT: City Attorney Jeff Ballinger confirmed that the matter will now go to the voters in 2018 and will not return before the Council for future consideration. —AJ

Mayor Selects Controversial Publication as ‘Service Organization of the Year’ THE LATEST: What do the Veterans of Foreign Wars Serra Post 3801 and local publication Community Common Sense have in common?

As of Tuesday, both have received the

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mayor’s award for Service Organization of the Year.

The local VFW was selected by former mayor Derek Reeve last year, and this year Mayor Pam Patterson announced her choice of Community Common Sense at Tuesday’s Council meeting. City Commissioner Kim McCarthy, who runs the paper with editor Kim Lefner, received the award from Patterson. Lefner was not in attendance.

Patterson said she selected the “watchdog publication,” which was formed in 2009, because it covers issues affecting residents and businesses in town and operates “solely as a community service rather than as a money-making venture.”

McCarthy said she appreciated the award, adding that she helped start the paper because a group of people felt they “weren’t getting the whole story.”

Common Sense comes out between six and 10 times a year. Regular elements of the publication include columns written by Patterson and Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson; stories written by Lefner, residents, commissioners and local politicians; stories without bylines; and letters.

While the paper is self-described as “non-partisan,” it has often been critical of the former Council majority—John Taylor, Larry Kramer and outgoing Councilman Sam Allevato. In 2014, the paper endorsed Patterson, Ferguson and Reeve for City Council (all three won seats). In 2015, the Council appointed McCarthy to the Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission.

WHAT’S NEXT: Patterson also honored retired councilman and former mayor Roy Byrnes on Tuesday with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his service and dedication to the city. Even though two more awards were on the agenda for Tuesday—Community Pride and Citizens of the Year—Patterson announced that they would be held until the next meeting on Dec. 12. —AJ www.thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Final Election Results: Farias and Maryott Will Serve as City’s Next Councilmen Four weeks after San Juan Capistrano’s historic by-district election, the Orange County Registrar of Voters’ final vote count confirms that Sergio Farias of District 1 and Brian Maryott of District 5 will serve four-year terms on the City Council beginning next week.

Farias, a small business owner, won the District 1 Council race with 961 votes (58.6 percent of the vote). His challenger, Cultural Heritage Commissioner Nathan Banda, received 679 votes.

In District 5, financial services executive Brian Maryott won the race with 1,992 votes (43.4 percent of the vote). Mission San Juan Capistrano executive director Mechelle Lawrence Adams came in second with 1,190 votes, and Larry Kramer, retired submarine captain and former mayor, came in third with 746 votes. Media executive Ronda Mottl earned 442 votes, professional geologist and professor Jim Schneider received 187 votes, and Parks & Recreation Commissioner Robert Parks, who dropped out of the race, took 36 votes.

Farias and Maryott will fill the seats of outgoing City Councilmen Sam Allevato and John Perry. Allevato was unable to run for his seat, as he lives in District 2. Perry lives

SJC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Wednesday, November 16 RECKLESS DRIVING Alipaz Street, 32300 Block (9:04 p.m.) A white BMW SUV was seen recklessly driving with front windshield damage. The subject driving the vehicle became “verbal” when told by the caller to slow down.

DISTURBANCE Calle Resplendor/Calle Chueca (7:56 p.m.) A patrol check was requested by the pool for “10 gang types” hanging out. The caller was concerned because there has been recent vandalism and broken bottles in the area.

DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 31800 Block (5:38 p.m.) A woman told police The Capistrano Dispatch December 9-22, 2016

in District 5 but chose not to run. Farias and Maryott will be sworn in on Monday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. at City Hall.

Residents in Districts 2, 3 and 4 will vote for candidates in the 2018 City Council race.

Capistrano Eagles to Host Annual Community Food Drive The Capistrano Eagles Motorcycle Club is set to hold its semiannual community food drive on Saturday, Dec. 17 from noon to 5 p.m. benefiting Father Serra’s Pantry and San Juan Capistrano families in need. The drive will be held at the Swallow’s Inn, located at 31786 Camino Capistrano, and includes live music performed by Family Style.

The most needed items include nonperishable food such as canned meats, fish and poultry; canned fruit; canned soup; dry pasta and beans; and personal hygiene products.

Serra’s Pantry is a nonprofit group of about 80 volunteers at Mission Basilica Church who work to provide food and other household items to 85 low-income families in South Orange County.

David Bordages, director of the pantry, said about 75 percent of the families the pantry serves live in San Juan Capistrano, with the other 25 percent coming from communities such as Capistrano Beach, San Clemente and Laguna Hills.

Bordages said the motorcycle club has been a longtime supporter of the pantry, hosting food drives twice a year for about that someone hit her on the head with a beer bottle, resulting in a laceration to her forehead. The victim was transported to the hospital.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Calle Lucana/Alipaz Street (4:04 p.m.) A woman in a black Mercedes told police that a male juvenile threw a rock while she was driving by and broke her window.

STOLEN VEHICLE Paseo Tecate, 26600 Block (3:59 p.m.) A man told police that he had parked his 1996 silver Mercedes on Calle Lorenzo but had not seen his car since yesterday.

20 years now. The holiday food drive helps keep the pantry stocked through the winter months.

For more information on the food drive, call the Capistrano Eagles at 949.422.3717 or the Swallow’s Inn at 949.493.3188.

To find out more about Father Serra’s Pantry, visit www.serraspantryoutreach. org. The pantry is located at 31611 El Camino Real in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Toy Drive Benefiting City’s Adopted Marines Ends Dec. 13 The city of San Juan Capistrano’s toy collection to benefit the children of San Juan’s adopted 1st Battalion, 11th Marines continues through Dec. 13. Help support the 1/11 by dropping off new, unwrapped toys in the toy collection bin at City Hall or the San Juan Capistrano Community Center during business hours.

City Hall is located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto, and the Community Center is at 25925 Camino Del Avion. Business hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The toys will be delivered to the children before the holidays.

For more information, contact Lindsey Stigall at 949.443.6315 or lstigall@sanjuancapistrano.org.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo Espada, 27200 Block (2:07 a.m.) A patrol check was requested for a male subject with dark clothing “roaming around on the sidewalk and grass area.”

WELFARE CHECK Via La Plata, 32000 Block (12:11 a.m.) A woman repeatedly called 911 talking about her sister and not knowing why she called. Police said the woman was unable to articulate if she needed police, fire or medics. The woman eventually told police that she accidentally drunk dialed 911.

Tuesday, November 15

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Edgewood Road/Aspen Way (2:29 p.m.) Eight to 12 juveniles were seen drinking at the park where Aspen Way ends at Edgewood Road.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Paseo Adelanto/Del Obispo Street (12:02 p.m.) A patrol check was requested under the Del Obispo bridge for a woman yelling, “Get out of my home.” No further details were given.

PETTY THEFT REPORT Via De Linda, 31900 Block (5:54 a.m.) Unlocked vehicles were rummaged through. No loss was reported, and no report was desired.

NARCOTIC VIOLATION MISDEMEANOR El Camino Real/Forster Street (11:47 p.m.)

A man loitering next to a park was asked by police if he had any illegal items on his person. The subject handed the deputy one methamphetamine smoking pipe and one baggie containing methamphetamine.

The man was cited for narcotics.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Paseo Santiago, 30800 Block (10:05 p.m.) Police made contact with a probationer sitting in a vehicle at a residence. The subject admitted to possessing syringes for methamphetamine use. A probation search was conducted and the syringes were found.

The subject was cited for narcotics.

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Community Meetings MONDAY, DEC. 12

City Council, Housing Authority and Successor Agency Meeting

5 p.m. The city’s governing body meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. To see the agenda, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 13

Planning Commission Meeting

6:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

Downtown Farmers Market

3-6 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from dozens of vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday.

Visit www.farmersmarketsjc.com or call 949.493.4700 to find out more.

CUSD Board of Trustees Meeting

7 p.m. The Capistrano Unified School District governing body meets at district offices, located at 33122 Valle Road. To see the board’s agenda, visit www.capousd.org.

FRIDAY, DEC. 16

Coffee Chat

8 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs every Friday at Hennessey’s Tavern, 31761 Camino Capistrano.

All are welcome. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

MONDAY, DEC. 19

Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission Meeting

5:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

TUESDAY, DEC. 20

Utilities Commission Meeting

5:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Utilities Commission meets at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Log on to www.sanjuancapistrano.org to see the body’s agenda.

FRIDAY, DEC. 23

Next issue of The Dispatch publishes

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SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor

A COUNTRY AT A CROSSROADS? —Paul Larson, San Juan Capistrano A country at a crossroads—do we move forward or do we move further into division, discontent and anger? Or, do we look back and look forward? Are those our only options?

It was an interesting and challenging confluence of two national events last month—on Nov. 8 we had an election, and on Nov. 11 we celebrated Veterans Day. One looking back, and the other looking forward.

The Rev. Michael Vaughn, pastor of Community Presbyterian Church of San Juan Capistrano, started the Nov. 13 service in an unusual way. Instead of the usual musical prelude, he began with the following: “We are going to start worship today with a minute of silence, in observance of national and world events. Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 1918, started out as Armistice Day in 1918—a memorial to the human cost of war and the communal expense of peace, a memorial to the millions swept up in what at the time was called the war to end all wars, which did not end all wars.

“The early 20th century and the year 1918 was a time of great culture change.

In Europe, economic, political, national, and religious forces were all in turmoil and conflict. In the United States, a sleepy giant that reluctantly, slowly saw it had responsibility to the world community. This conflict afterwards, called World War I, did not really end; it was fought to exhaustion. Ending not with a real solution—just an armistice, a break, a timeout. A false, unsustainable pseudo-peace which then seeded World War II. Then came a cold war that seeded where we are even now.

“We live, as you know, in a time of great culture change—economics, demographics, the purpose and use of institutions: e.g., schools, churches, other organizations.

Even the very social contract between us is in flux—some even call it a culture war.

“We need to honor the lives and civil sacrifices of the past and beware of the danger of fighting this cultural, polarized clash to exhaustion or no sustainable solution—not just slather over or just take a break. The social contract of our patriotic duty requires more.

“So, let’s have the minute of silence in healing and memory of those who sacrificed to protect this nation, and also in healing of the current civic rancor among us that must die—not just in order that we can continue to be this great nation, but more so we can faithfully live towards the Kingdom of God.” Regardless of our individual poThe Capistrano Dispatch December 9-22, 2016

litical beliefs, healing our great nation is paramount. Regardless of our individual religious or spiritual beliefs (or even having none), healing is needed. Fighting to exhaustion is not a solution.

We have the opportunity to look back to honor those who have served, and we also have the opportunity to learn from history. We now have a more immediate opportunity to look forward to how we can serve our nation, our world and each other with honor and dignity. We are standing at a crossroads, and are much in need of reflective moments of silence.

MORE PLANNING AND PUBLIC INPUT NEEDED ON COUNCIL TERM LIMITS —Stephanie Heredia, San Juan Capistrano Out of curiosity at the Dec. 6 San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting, I submitted the following question that Mayor Pam Patterson read from the dais: “Why is the comparison of cities with atlarge elections with term limits compared to San Juan Capistrano with a district election with no term limits? Thank you.”

It was my hope that the agenda item for the consideration of City Council term limits would be delayed until the newly elected councilmen from Districts 1 and 5 be sworn in to represent their constituents and residents at-large.

It is my understanding that Councilman John Perry proposed term limits for the City Council in early October. In broad strokes, Mayor Pam Patterson, Mayor Pro Tem Kerry Ferguson and Perry passed the motion on Dec. 6 to hold an election with term limits on Nov. 6, 2018. Councilmen Sam Allevato and Derek Reeve dissented.

This important issue of term limits governance needs to be reconsidered by the newly elected Council and fully vetted before an election commitment. It would benefit the city and residents to implement a public forum for discussion and input now. It will provide a more complete understanding of our current conditions and the best method to move forward.

I was actively involved earlier this year in community outreach meetings to determine the boundaries for the five voting districts in San Juan Capistrano. With a greater understanding of our city, it was a collaborative, educational and transparent process completed in July 2016 by interested residents and the city.

Anticipating the casting of my future vote for a City Council person in District 3 on Nov. 6, 2018, I believed it was of the upmost importance this past election to volunteer and conduct nonpartisan voter registration in San Juan Capistrano with other civicminded residents in other districts.

Before taking the vote to the residents in 2018, how about the City Council consider the impact that the 2020 consensus

may have on the five districts’ boundaries?

Plus, it’s projected that a larger voter turnout will occur in the 2020 general election, and at that point all five districts will have experienced council representation. It’s important to cultivate a personal connection between voters and City Hall.

I encourage the new City Council to please maintain the voters’ rights to elect, re-elect or reject a new or incumbent candidate rather than follow the reformminded term limit rules.

Let’s support our city elected officials and give them the time in office to learn about San Juan Capistrano governance, to represent their districts and the city at-large effectively, and to perform their duties that require know-how and understanding.

As the documentary film producer of Ronald Reagan: An American Journey and The Reagans: The Legacy Endures, I agree with President Reagan’s wisdom. In January 1989, President Reagan told NBC News about his plan to try to repeal the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms: “I think that is an infringement on the democratic rights of the people … It is an invasion of their democratic rights to vote for whoever they want to vote for and for however long.”

THE 241 TOLL ROAD STILL FACES ISSUES —T.J. Orr, San Clemente Thankfully, no one in our household continues to commute to the Inland Empire. However, as the toll road authority now considers alternate routing of the connection between the 241 and Interstate 5, they are overlooking a major, existing and obvious issue with the 241 connection up north with the 91. Traffic there during commuting hours is always crawling for several miles.

Unless this congestion is resolved, there is little point to putting even more traffic on the 241 by a new, direct connection between the I-5 and 241 through San Juan Capistrano or San Clemente, which poses its own issues for each of these communities. An “end to end” solution is needed.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@ thecapistranodispatch.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

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34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.thecapistranodispatch.com

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Allison Jarrell, 949.388.7700, x108 ajarrell@thecapistranodispatch.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Debra Wells, 949.388.7700, x104 dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com BUSINESS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Managing Editor > Matt Cortina City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett

Finance Director > Mike Reed

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Victor Carno Debra Holm Tim Trent

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 14, Issue 23. The Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives.

Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town COMPILED BY STAFF

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Dalton Gang performs live music at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Rob Staley Band at 8:30 p.m. The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Friday | 09

Sunday | 11

MERMADE MARKET 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Mermade Market’s seventh event in Dana Point includes handmade goods, food trucks, live music and items for sale offered by more than 60 local outdoor and indoor makers. Market also runs Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point. www.mermademarket.com.

HOLIDAY NATURE CRAFTING 9-11 a.m. Enjoy a cool, winter morning creating treasured keepsakes and personalized gifts made from natural and recycled materials. Space is limited, and tickets are $5. Reserve your spot online at www. rmvreserve.org. The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778.

LIL ELVES WORKSHOP 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Santa’s elves are in need of extra special help from tiny tots putting crafts and games together. Children will sing holiday songs, enjoy special guest appearances from Santa’s helpers, make gifts for family and friends, decorate holiday cookies and more. Tickets are $20 per child, and registration at www.sanclemente.org is required. San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.

MISSION ART WALK 11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS 7:30 p.m. The 42nd annual edition of the boat parade kicks off on Friday night.

You can join in on the parade by watching from the shore or hopping on a boat with Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching or The Ocean Institute.

The Ocean Institute will also be holding a viewing party from 6-9 p.m. The parade itself also runs on Dec. 10, 16 and 17. www.danapointharbor.com.

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse continues performances of the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street. The show runs every weekend through Dec. 18. Tickets range from $27-$37. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminrealplayhouse.com.

Saturday | 10 ‘THE NO SHOW’ EQUESTRIAN EVENT 8:30 a.m. This equestrian event includes The Capistrano Dispatch December 9-22, 2016

Photo: Allison Jarrell

FRIDAY, DEC. 9 AND SATURDAY, DEC. 10: LOS RIOS ROCK SCHOOL’S ‘NOT SO SILENT NIGHT’ 7 p.m. Los Rios Rock School hosts a unique holiday performance, promising bold and festive music and characters. Music includes songs from The Kinks, The Drifters, TransSiberian Orchestra and Mariah Carey (to name a few). Tickets start at $30, and the performance also runs Dec. 16 and 17. The Lobby at Los Rios Rock School. 32124 Paseo Adelanto, No. 5, San Juan Capistrano. 949.456.1081. www.losriosrockschool.tix.com.

At the Movies: Isabelle Huppert is Regal in ‘Elle’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he queen of French cinema, Isabelle Huppert, sits high on her throne this holiday season with Paul Verhoeven’s Elle, a screen adaptation of Philippe Djian’s novel, Oh…. Despite all her triumphs in her home country, with features like The Lacemaker (1977), Loulou (1980) and The Piano Teacher (2001), Huppert has never had much traction in the U.S. That could all change this year, as her performance in Elle is leading people to think she could go up against Emma Stone and Natalie Portman at the Oscars.

Cold as ice, Michèle Leblanc (Huppert) is a successful CEO of a video game company and also has a lazy son, Vincent (Jonas Bloquet); a trashy mom, Irène (Judith Magre); and a deadbeat dad in prison. When Michèle experiences

a home invasion and is assaulted in the middle of a mid-December afternoon, she begins to reconsider the safety of her house as well as her relationships with the men in her life, including her ex-husband, Richard (Charles Berling), and her lover, Robert (Christian Berkel).

Elle is a fascinating, although graphic, character study of a woman who is a victim, but does everything she can to not be pitied. Dutch-based Verhoeven, famous in the U.S. for blockbusters like Robocop (1987), Total Recall (1990) and Basic Instinct (1992), goes back to his Euro-film roots here and succeeds, for the most part. While the second half of the movie falls short of the quality of the first half, Huppert’s performance is worthy of viewing for anyone interested in seeing a pro at her craft. CD Craftswoman Hilda Evans will instruct two workshops. Registration is encouraged and costs $35 per wreath. There are two sessions on Dec. 10. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

no excess sign-up fees or ribbons required and gives young riders and horses valuable experience. Per round cost is $25. Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.

30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano.

949.633.3445. www.facebook.com/equisportsthenoshow.

WREATH MAKING WITH NATIVE PLANTS 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Celebrate Tree of Life Native Plant Nursery’s annual tradition of creating your own handmade wreath fashioned out of California native plant material.

THE ECOLOGY CENTER OPEN HOUSE 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This free open house at The Ecology Center includes light refreshments and holiday shopping from local artisans.

32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

Page 8

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY CELEBRATION 7 p.m. Celebrate Human Rights Day and listen to documentarian Shapour Daneshmand in a talk entitled, “Historical Perspective and its Evolution.” San Clemente Bahá’i Center. 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. www.bahaicenter.com.

Tuesday | 13 WINTER WONDERLAND LIGHT DECORATING CONTEST 5:30-8 p.m. The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce awards residents and business owners prizes for the best holiday light decorations in a variety of categories. Those interested in competing must return an entry form to the Chamber by Dec. 12. www.scchamber.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Wednesday | 14 LIVE MUSIC: THE KALAMA BROTHERS 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from the Kalama Brothers at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S 9:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Molly Bloom’s with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

(Cont. on page 10) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 8)

Thursday | 15 FREE SANTA PHOTOS 3-5 p.m. Stop by the Dana Wharf Courtyard and bring your cameras to snatch a selfie with Santa. A $5 donation to the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club is suggested. 34675 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

‘ELF THE MUSICAL’ 5 p.m. The Arts Project of Orange County presents the junior version of the musical based on the holiday film Elf. Two performances (different age groups) run on Dec. 15, 16, 17 and 19. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at www.tapocelf.brownpapertickets.com. The Arts Project Theatre.

1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente.

949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

‘THE NUTCRACKER’ AT SADDLEBACK COLLEGE 7 p.m. Saddleback College hosts the Laguna Ballet, a non-profit junior ballet company serving Orange County families, which presents its 31st anniversary production of The Nutcracker. Tickets are $26 with discounts for students and seniors.

Show also runs Dec. 16, 17 and 19. For the full schedule and to buy tickets, visit www. saddleback.edu/arts or call 949.582.4656.

Saddleback College. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

Friday | 16 CRAZY CHRISTMAS HOUSE AND SANTA’S TOY DRIVE 6:30-8:30 p.m. This annual event allows guests to donate a new toy to a Marine family, take a picture with Santa, visit with some of local Marines, enjoy some cocoa and cookies, and listen to the sounds of the San Clemente High School women’s a capella group. 31192 Calle Del Campo, San Juan Capistrano.

COA HOLIDAY MUSIC FESTIVAL 7 p.m. Local music, holiday treats and a “mock”-tail bar will be at the Community Outreach Alliance Holiday Music Festival. Attendees are encouraged to bring a children’s toy, which will be donated to Family Assistance Ministries.

1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Saturday | 17 CASA LA PAZ HOLIDAY SALE 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Get your holiday shopping done at the Tree of Life Nursery’s gift shop and books store at this annual sale.

Select items will be on sale throughout the store. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch December 9-22, 2016

OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING CRUISE 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Hop aboard the R/V Sea Explorer to see whales, dolphins, sea lions and more. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and active-duty military and $25 for children. Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

HANDEL’S ‘MESSIAH’ WITH ORCHESTRA 2 p.m. Listen to Handel’s classic oratorio Messiah as performed by the Basilica Choir at Mission Basilica. Admission is one food item donated to Father Serra’s Pantry. 31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1360. www.missionparish.org.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Family Style performs live music at 2:30 p.m., followed by Grand Junction at 8:30 p.m. There will also be a food drive from noon to 5 p.m. that supports Father Serra’s Pantry.

Non-perishable food items are requested.

The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

THE DISH

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here’s a universality about meat and noodles. Every region has its own take on the variety, whether it’s a Bolognese or matriciana in Italy, a ragout in continental Europe, that weird gravy and noodles thing people “like” in Cincinnati, or dan dan noodles from the Sichuan province of China.

The latter is available at Dana Point’s fine strip mall find, The Little Kitchen. Pleasantly chewy udon noodles were topped with ground chicken, chili peppers and garlic, and tossed with freshly steamed bok choy, carrots and celery. The best bites are the ones in which the crunchy greens balance the thick noodles, while the spice base reigns in each bite.

The form is so widely replicated for a reason—stuffing your face with carbs and

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor.

Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday.

See more events online. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

24831 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point. 949.276.7799. www.thelittlekitchenasiancafe.com.

G

ary Hoey may have been raised in Boston, but his musical career took off in Southern California after receiving encouragement from an unlikely guardian angel: Ozzy Osbourne.

After spending his youth noodling on guitars and skipping high school to loiter and learn around the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Hoey tried out for Osbourne’s band in 1987 when the icon stopped by Boston. Though Hoey didn’t get the spot, Osbourne encouraged Hoey to move to Los Angeles to kick start his career.

Hoey returns to Southern California on Friday, Dec. 16, taking his Ho Ho Hoey Rockin Holiday Tour to the

KIDS HOLIDAY ARTS CAMP 9 a.m.-noon. Kids are invited to sing, act, dance, create and more at The Arts Project of Orange County’s weeklong camp.

Camp days run through Dec. 23, and reservations can be purchased for one, any or all days of the camp. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente. 949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB 2-4 p.m. Every Wednesday. Look for the table with the French Flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No cost to join. Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del

The Little Kitchen Asian Cafe

BY MATT CORTINA, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Monday | 19

Wednesday | 21

warm, savory meat sauces is easy to do. But the excellence of The Little Kitchen’s take on it is in the nuanced approach it takes to simple, balanced and fresh ingredients.

On Stage at the Coach House: Gary “Ho Ho” Hoey

Sunday | 18

FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own.

1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente.

949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

DAN DAN NOODLES

Photo: Courtesy

Coach House.

Since that fateful trip to L.A., Hoey has recorded 19 albums—over 1 million sold—and earned a Billboard Top 5 spot with his cover of “Hocus Pocus.”

Hoey is a guitar virtuoso who has shared the stage with other masters of the craft like Joe Bonamassa, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Jeff Beck, Dick Dale and more.

Tickets start at $23 and are available at www.thecoachhouse.com. CD

Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, or 949.369.5482.

Thursday | 22

LIVE MUSIC: MOON POLICE 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from Moon Police at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

LIVE MUSIC: SHAWN JONES 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from Shawn Jones at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S 9:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Molly Bloom’s with food and drink specials.

There will be local and professional talent.

2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

Page 10

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www.thecapistranodispatch.com

Gift Ideas for Everyone on your List 14KT GOLD & DIAMOND RING On Sale for $519 Zia Jewelry 31761 Camino Capistrano, SJC

(949) 493-1322 www.ZiaJewelrySanJuanCap.com

GIFT CARDS FOR A ONE HOUR MASSAGE Mention this ad for $10 off 2 or more gift cards The Massage Associates

31952 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano

949.489.7924 www.themassageassociates.com

BESTIE SPA DAY GIFT CERTIFICATE Any Denomination

Bow Wow Beautiful Pet Spa 364 Camino Estrella, San Clemente

949.702.3130 www.BowWowBeautiful.com

GOLF MEMBERSHIP

$2,000-$2,500 Initiation Fee/ $460-$575 Mo. Dues Bella Collina San Clemente 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente

949.333.4830 www.bellacollinasanclemente.com

SERPENTINE IGUANAS 5 ½” to 11 ½” long $340 and Up

Designs By Nature 400 S. El Camino Real, A, San Clemente

949.498.8358 www.designsbynature.com

Gift Ideas for Everyone on your List SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP

$250 Initiation Fee/ $50 Mo. Food & Beverage Minimum Bella Collina San Clemente 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente

949.333.4830 www.bellacollinasanclemente.com

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Starting at $79 for 3 Treatments Expires 12/31/16 Hybrid MD, Laser & Aesthetic Medicine 1031 Avenida Pico, Ste. 103, San Clemente

949.429.1919 www.hybridmdoc.com

HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Any Denomination Eyeland Lash 99 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente

949.391.0670 www.eyelandlash.com

BELLA BAZAAR FAMILY PILLOW $40

Bella Bazaar 34467 Golden Lantern, Dana Point

949.429.6200 www.bellabazaar.com

SCHMID’S BUSINESS GIFTS Order by December 31 for 15% Off!

Schmid’s Fine Chocolates 99 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente

949.369.1052 www.schmidschocolate.com

show runs every weekend through Dec. 18. Tickets range from $27-$37.

31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.com.

Holiday Events LIL ELVES WORKSHOP

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Playschool is decking the halls for a morning of holiday cheer and excitement. Santa’s elves are in need of extra special help from tiny tots putting crafts and games together. Children will sing holiday songs, enjoy special guest appearances from Santa’s helpers, make gifts for family and friends, decorate holiday cookies and more. Tickets are $20 per child, and registration at www.san-clemente.org is required.

San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.

CASA NUTCRACKER

7-8:30 p.m. The Orange County Ballet Theatre performs the holiday classic production. The Casa Nutcracker features choreography tailored to Casa Romantica’s intimate Main Salon.

Tickets are $40.

Casa Romantica. 415 Avenida Grande, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

LOS RIOS ROCK SCHOOL’S ‘NOT SO SILENT NIGHT’

7 p.m. Los Rios Rock School hosts a unique holiday performance, promising the most amazing music and characters you’ll see all year. Tickets start at $30, and performance also runs Dec. 10, 16 and 17.

The Lobby at Los Rios Rock School. 32124 Paseo Adelanto, No. 5, San Juan Capistrano.

949.456.1081. www.losriosrockschool.tix.com.

DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS

7:30 p.m. The 42nd annual edition of the boat parade kicks off on Friday night. You can join in on the parade by watching from the shore or hopping on a boat with Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching or The Ocean Institute. The parade also runs on Dec. 10, 16 and 17.

WREATH MAKING WITH NATIVE PLANTS

9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Celebrate Tree of Life Native Plant Nursery’s annual tradition of creating your own handmade wreath fashioned out of California native plant material. Craftswoman Hilda Evans will instruct two workshops. Registration is encouraged and costs $35 per wreath. There are two sessions on Dec. 10.

33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

HOLIDAY BOOK IDEAS

10-11 a.m. Let the Dana Point Library cross names off your holiday shopping list with personalized book recommendations for adults and kids.

Library Meeting Room. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE ACADEMY

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sit in on one of two gingerbread house decorating workshops at Monarch Beach Resort. The pastry team will offer tips for decorating with the seemingly endless amount of candy and frosting available.

There will also be a special visit from Santa, complete with pictures. Cost is $85 per gingerbread house, with a maximum of four people per house.

One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point.

949.234.3200. www.visitdanapoint.org.

UNDER THE SEA HOLIDAY TEA

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a late morning tea including finger sandwiches, specialty teas, hot chocolate bar and cupcake decorating.

Kids’ favorite mermaid friend, Catalina, will join for a meet and greet, story time and a swim. Also runs Dec. 11.

Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

HOLIDAY ART MAKING EXTRAVAGANZA WITH PIZZA

3-6 p.m. The whole family is invited to stop by and create unique gifts for the holidays with Motif Paint Events. The $35 ticket include pizza, drinks, the choice of making two ornaments, two wine glasses or one vase. A seasoned art teacher will be on hand to offer tips. Event held at Ball Park Pizza, and also runs Sunday, Dec. 11.

www.danapointharbor.com.

831 Via Suerte, Suite 101, San Clemente. www.facebook.com/motifpaintevents.

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET’

CHRISTMAS AT THE SHORES CONCERT

8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse continues performances of the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street. The

4 p.m. South Shores Church hosts the (Continued

Holiday Events (Continued) 70-member ensemble of vocalists, orchestra members, children’s choir members and handbell musicians at their holiday concert. Show repeats at 6 p.m. as well as at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11.

32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point.

949.496.9331. www.southshores.org.

HOLIDAY JAZZ CONCERT

6:30 p.m. The Saddleback College Big Band presents their annual jazz holiday conert. This lively concert for the whole family features a sing-along, some humor and a special gift for the first 150 folks in the theater.

FREE SANTA PHOTOS

3-5 p.m. Stop by the Dana Wharf Courtyard and bring your cameras to snatch a selfie with Santa. A $5 donation to the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club is suggested.

34675 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

‘ELF THE MUSICAL’

5 p.m. The Arts Project of Orange County presents the junior version of the musical based on the holiday film Elf. Two performances (different age groups) run on Dec. 15, 16, 17 and 19.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at www.tapocelf.brownpapertickets.com.

The Arts Project Theatre. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente. 949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

‘THE NUTCRACKER’ AT SADDLEBACK COLLEGE

7 p.m. Saddleback College hosts the Laguna Ballet, a non-profit junior ballet company serving Orange County families, which presents its 31st anniversary production of The Nutcracker.

Tickets are $26 with discounts for students and seniors. Show also runs Dec. 16, 17 and 19.

Saddleback College. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4413.

For the full schedule and to buy tickets, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.

HOLIDAY NATURE CRAFTING

CRAZY CHRISTMAS HOUSE AND SANTA’S TOY DRIVE

9-11 a.m. Enjoy a cool, winter morning creating treasured keepsakes and personalized gifts made from natural and recycled materials. Space is limited and tickets are $5. Reserve your spot online at www.rmvreserve.org. The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 9 a.m.-noon. Enjoy breakfast, movies, arts and crafts, and a photo op with Santa himself as he visits Dana Point from the North Pole. Adults are $30, kids are $15.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.visitdanapoint.org.

6:30-8:30 p.m. This annual event allows guests to donate a new toy to a Marine family, take a picture with Santa, visit with some of local Marines, enjoy some cocoa and cookies, and listen to the sounds of the San Clemente High School women’s a capella group.

31192 Calle Del Campo, San Juan Capistrano.

COA HOLIDAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

7 p.m. Local music, holiday treats and a “mock”-tail bar will be at the Community Outreach Alliance Holiday Music Festival. Attendees are encouraged to bring a children’s toy, which will be donated to Family Assistance Ministries.

1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente.

WINTER WONDERLAND LIGHT DECORATING CONTEST

5:30-8 p.m. The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce awards residents and business owners prizes for the best holiday light decorations in a variety of categories. Those interested in competing must return an entry form to the Chamber by Dec. 12. www.scchamber.com.

CASA LA PAZ HOLIDAY SALE

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Get your holiday shopping done at the Tree of Life Nursery’s gift shop and books store at this annual sale. Select items will be on sale throughout the store. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

The More the Merrier PHOTOS AND TEXT BY ALLISON JARRELL, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

housands of residents and visitors enjoyed a variety of holiday festivities in downtown San Juan Capistrano last weekend. The city’s tree lighting celebration took place on Dec. 3 at the Historic Town Center Park. The annual event was accompanied by activities on Los Rios Street, as well as Mission San Juan Capistrano’s ‘Christmas at the Mission’ program. Visitors were also treated to late-night shopping throughout the downtown area.

For a full photo slideshow from last weekend’s events, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. CD

Students from Musical Theatre University performed a number of skits, songs and dance numbers prior to the tree lighting on Saturday.

San Juan Capistrano’s Ballet Folklorico dancers performed prior to the tree lighting.

Amelia Rosetti, 5, of San Juan Capistrano, enjoys the “snow” at the city’s tree lighting celebration.

Students from Musical Theatre University performed a number of skits, songs and dance numbers prior to the tree lighting on Saturday.

Evelyn Tiburcio, 9, of Lake Forest, performs with the San Juan Capistrano Youth Mariachi.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult.

Level: Medium Solution:

A large crowd enjoyed holiday festivities, including a tree lighting and “snow,” on Saturday.

The Capistrano Dispatch December 9-22, 2016

Page 19

www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING GUEST OPINION: Moments in Time by Jan Siegel

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

Let There Be Light

Romance in Nepal

Despite their popularity today, candles weren’t always used in religious holidays and rituals

A country filled with beauty, Nepal is well worth a visit for travelers

T

W

his year, three major celebrations begin on Dec. 25—Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. One thing these three holidays have in common is that they all incorporate candles. Hanukkah is often called the Festival of Lights, Christmas candles decorate homes and churches, and Kwanzaa, like Hanukkah, involves lighting candles each night of the festivities.

But candles have really only been popular for about 1,000 years.

Before that, lamps or torches were used. For the poor in Eastern Europe, it was not uncommon that for Hanukkah, MOMENTS IN hollowed out potatoes TIME were filled with oil and

By Jan Siegel burned.

According to a 1942 article in the American Ecclesiastical Review, “Historians seem to be agreed that there was no ceremonial use of lighted candles, torches or lamps during the first three centuries.

Lamps were used by the Romans in their sacrificial ritual, and the first Christians were careful to avoid anything that might resemble this form of worship.”

However, this attitude changed over time.

“Since services were held in the evening or early in the morning, light of some sort was a necessity. This was especially true when Mass was offered in the dark chambers of the catacombs.

It was but a step for the Christians of later centuries, accustomed to the use of light about the altar and in the sanctuary, to retain lamps and candles, since the worshippers were not unaware of their beauty and symbolism.”

In the early church, processions were often part of the ritual, and candles led the way. Pope Sergius I (A.D. 687) introduced the procession, which was popular in Syria, where he had come from. Later on, popes started blessing the candles before the start of the processions. Eventually, the idea of processions disappeared, but the blessing of the candles remained.

Once candles became an important part of church ritual, it was decreed that candles for the church had to be made of beeswax. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “the pure wax extracted by bees from flowers symbolizes the pure flesh of Christ received from His Virgin Mother, the wick signifies the soul of Christ, and the flame represents His divinity. Although the two latter properties The Capistrano Dispatch December 9-22, 2016

are found in all kinds of candles, the first is proper of beeswax only.”

Honey bees were not indigenous to Europe. Like Christianity, they were brought from the Middle East to Europe. Honey bees were not indigenous to North, South or Latin America either.

They had to be transported, and that was not easy. Thomas Jefferson called honey bees “white man’s flies.” It was not until 1853 that the first honey bees arrived in California. Botanist C.A. Shelton traveled by sea from the East Coast with 12 colonies of bees and arrived in California with only enough bees to start one colony.

With the coming of the Spanish missionaries to the Americas, a dilemma occurred. How were the churches going to be able to obtain candles made of beeswax? The answer was the Spanish Manila Galleons. For 250 years, between 1565 and 1815, the ships brought beeswax and candles along with clothing, cloth, porcelains and other goods to the New World.

Only these ships were large enough to carry the large quantities of beeswax needed for the New World churches.

Over the centuries, the church has maintained its use of beeswax for candles, but has altered the percentage of beeswax needed to still remain pure.

According to Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Msgr. Art Holquin, “the pre-Vatican II norms specified all of this in detail, permitting the 51 percent norm (for beeswax). Today, it merely states candles are to be used. The norm is far more flexible today, with the overarching principle that whatever is used in sacred worship be authentic and not artificial, leaving the door open for a latitude of interpretation.”

Spend a ‘Moment in Time’ and light up your holiday. A happy and healthy New Year to all.

Jan Siegel is a 28-year resident of San Juan Capistrano. She served on the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission for 13 years and has been a volunteer guide for the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library’s architectural walking tour for 18 years.

She was named Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2005, Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and was inducted into the city’s Wall of Recognition in 2007. CD

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

hen I was a kid, I was fascinated to learn that Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand, and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal, had become the first people to climb Nepal’s 29,028-foot Mt. Everest, the tallest peak in the world.

Their historic climb happened on May 29, 1953. I hoped that someday I would get to see that mountain, which the Nepalese people proudly call “the top of the world.”

That dream came true two weeks ago when my partner, Greta, and I spent nine days in Nepal, mostly in Kathmandu, the capital. Many people go there because of the majestic Himalayan mountains—most to observe them, some to climb and hike them, the latter of which are called “trekkers.”

Kathmandu is a bustling city, with gridlock on the streets from motor bikes and buses. A 2015 earthquake devastated Kathmandu. Reconstruction creates a major dust and smog problem, particularly this time of year, when there is no wind.

Often our tour group members wore masks to filter the air; we consumed gallons of bottled water.

One trip highlight was viewing Mt. Everest up close. Of course, not as close as Sir Edmund and Tenzing did, but from a chartered Buddha Air sightseeing turbo prop plane.

One evening, our tour company, Gate 1 Travel, arranged for a woman to speak to our group of 13 about mountain climbing. Myra Sherpa, a 40-year-old from the Sherpa tribe, is one of only 11 women Sherpa climbers in the world.

Myra has climbed mountains over 20,000 feet tall 18 times, including Mt. Everest four times. She is one of only four women to conquer K2, considered to be the most difficult mountain in the world to climb. What an inspiration Myra was.

To climb Everest, a permit costs $11,000. Staying at a base camp requires almost three weeks to acclimatize one’s body. Bottled oxygen is used by 95 percent of Everest climbers; less than 200 have made it to the Everest peak without it.

Gate 1 also arranged for our group to have dinner at the home of a Tibetan refugee family in the city of Pokara, which is nestled at the base of the Annapurna Mountains, another famous range in Nepal.

The family lives in a refugee camp of 450 people who relocated from Tibet nearly 50 years ago. The host’s name was Tenzing, which I thought was totally cool, having admired Sherpa Tenzing for 64 years.

Tibet is on the opposite side of the Himalayan Mountains from Nepal. Tenzing wanted a Tibetan woman in his life, but there are only a few thousand Tibetans

Page 20

living in Nepal.

During dinner, I asked how he met his wife.

His reply surprised our group: “On the internet, of course!” He explained there is a Tibetans-livingin-Nepal singles website.

ON LIFE AND Marriage is a big deal LOVE AFTER 50 in Nepal. As we traveled

By Tom Blake around, we saw many wedding parties from our tour bus. Cars and small buses were draped in flowers. Horns would blare, and newlyweds would wave from inside vehicles. Often, wedding parties walked down the streets and alleys led by a band, with drums pounding, instruments playing, and rice being tossed at the newlyweds.

Our group learned from our Nepalese guide that most of the marriages of young people, often less than 20 years old, are arranged marriages. The parents picked their mates. Engaged couples are not allowed to live together before marrying, and after they marry, they live—often for months or years—with the husband’s parents. Yikes!

Historically in Nepal, widowed people have found dating or finding a new mate virtually impossible. They have been ostracized by society, as if the situations they are in are their fault. How sad. Niraj, our guide, said that archaic way of thinking is slowly changing.

Despite Nepal facing multiple challenges, they are rebuilding. The people are highly ethical. Twice, while Greta and I bought souvenirs, I inadvertently paid with a 500-rupee bill ($5), thinking it was a 100-rupee bill ($1). Both times, each merchant chased after us and returned the 400 rupees we had overpaid. Think about that—in a poor country, hard-working, struggling merchants put honesty ahead of greed.

If you are wondering about traveling to Nepal, give it a chance. The country is beautiful, as are its people.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter50.com, www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. Email: tompblake@ gmail.com. CD

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ thecapistranodispatch.com.

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TWO GROW TENTS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES California passes marijuana laws.

Start your new career in marijuana growing. Very lucrative opportunity. Two nearly new (6 months) grow tents, equipment and supplies available. Purchase price when new $2400. Willing to accept half price for taking all.

CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring.

We sell tile too! Mike 949-240-1545.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH from 8am -12pm. 34421 Calle Carmelita, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624.

Tons of kids/baby stuff, clothes, tools & much more. No Early Birds Please.

HANDYMAN CHRIS Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More. Phone Chris – 949 510 6645

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The Capistrano Dispatch December 9–22, 2016

SOFTWARE TRAINING 1/2 off Microsoft Access classes purchased this month. Just mention this ad. All 4 standard one-day classes available plus Access VBA, Access SQL and Access Database Design.

Call 800-355-9855 to inquire.

Orange Coast Database Associates, 32422 Alipaz, San Juan Capistrano.

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SJC LIVING

Business Beat News from San Juan’s business community

BY ALLISON JARRELL

NOW OPEN ADAGIO SAN JUAN 31822 San Juan Creek Circle, 949.899.8388 www.adagioseniorhomes.com info@adagioseniorhomes.com In November, San Juan Capistrano residents Cedric and Michelle Choan opened the doors of Adagio San Juan, an intimate assisted living facility on the eastern side of town. The couple said their aim is to provide personal care for up to six residents in the board and care home.

“We offer different services than commercial facilities,” Cedric said of the 2,500-square-foot home. “What we offer is more of a personal home setting and oneon-one care from caregivers.”

Cedric said he and Michelle decided to open the assisted living facility because they wanted to pursue fulfilling work as a team that involved continuity of care.

Both Cedric and Michelle are Residential Care for the Elderly (RCFE) certified administrators. Cedric is a board certified physician and anesthesiologist, while Michelle has worked in the health insurance

Cedric and Michelle Choan opened the doors of Adagio San Juan assisted living facility in November.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

industry for more than 20 years.

The couple said one of their priorities for the facility has been to employ compassionate, qualified caregivers and staff who have been trained extensively. At full capacity, the single-level home will have a 3:1 resident-to-caregiver ratio, as well as an overnight staff member.

Amenities include six private rooms, three full bathrooms, an activities director, a beauty station for hair styling, a patio and backyard, Wi-Fi, fireplaces and a fire protection sprinkler system, which Michelle said allows them to care for up to six bed-ridden residents at a time.

“This allows residents to age in place,” Michelle said. “We don’t have to move

people to specific rooms because of safety features.”

Adagio also offers care services such as: planned and structured activities, including memory care; food service; arrangements for obtaining incidental medical and dental care; assistance with dressing, grooming, bathing and other personal hygiene; assistance with taking medications; and monitoring food intake and special diets.

Visiting hours at Adagio San Juan are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Residents with questions or wanting a personal tour of the facility can call 949.899.8388, email info@adagioseniorhomes.com or visit www.adagioseniorhomes.com.

NEW PRODUCT TOTALLY RAD! www.gettotallyrad.com, www.huviapp.com Photographers Doug and Chenin Boutwell, of Ladera Ranch, co-own Totally Rad! Inc.—a photography software company based in South Orange County that has released more than 10 photo editing apps since its inception in 2007.

The Boutwells—high school sweethearts who married in college—worked as wedding photographers before becoming educators in the photography field.

From there, Chenin said it was a natural progression to creating and selling photo editing tools to photographers—apps like Replichrome, RadLab, Pro Retouch 2.0, and iPhone app PicTapGo. But the photographers-turned-app developers decided to venture into new territory recently when they began searching

Totally Rad! owners Doug and Chenin Boutwell.

Photo: Courtesy of Roger Ellsworth

for an app that would allow their son to watch his favorite videos without being able to access all of YouTube. They were surprised to find that such an app didn’t really exist.

So in October, the duo released Huvi—a free video streaming app that lets parents pick which videos their kids can watch.

Parents set up profiles for their children, and the kids can only watch what’s been preselected—no searching YouTube and stumbling upon inappropriate content. The app features a kid-friendly interface, as well as additional features such as screen time limits, passcodes and touch ID. “Essentially it’s just a big playlist for a child that you can tailor specifically to their interests,” Doug said, adding that being able to tailor such lists sets Huvi apart from YouTube’s kids apps.

For more information on Totally Rad!’s apps, follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @gettotallyrad.

(L–R) Leo, Sophie and Ozzy. Photos: Courtesy of Susan Brown Matsumoto Photography

Pets of the Week: Leo, Sophie & Ozzy

O

ne of the biggest challenges for rescues is taking in pets who are scared, confused and sad over having lost their home and family. These pets don’t show well and get overlooked by potential adopters who gravitate toward the more outgoing and “happier” pets.

The Ark has three cats in The Cattery like this right now: Leo and Sophie (brother and sister), and Ozzy, who all lost the only homes they have known due to

Page 22

unforeseeable changes.

Leo and Sophie are 3 years old, and Ozzy is 5 years old. They are all very sweet cats, just overwhelmed by the changes in their lives. Please consider giving a quieter cat or dog a chance at a loving forever home—they will thank you a thousand times over!

Contact The Ark at 949.388.0034 or cat@arkofsanjuan.org to arrange a meeting. The cats can also be visited during store hours at the San Juan PetSmart and during adoption events on Saturday and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Ark of San Juan is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that rescues adoptable animals in San Juan Capistrano and the surrounding area. For more information, visit www.arkofsanjuan.org. CD www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

2016 San Juan Preps Winter Sports Preview

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, FRANKI DARNOLD AND VICTOR CARNO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he winter prep sports season is underway, and in our annual preview, we get you caught up to date on several local programs primed for big seasons.

SAN JUAN HILLS GIRLS SOCCER Over the last three seasons, the San Juan Hills girls soccer team never had to tinker much with its lineup. The team had a strong core of players who had broken onto varsity as freshmen and continued to play alongside one another for years. But many of those players have now graduated, which has opened the door for a new crop of players, along with some established veterans, to make their mark on the new season.

The Stallions defense was a strong group last year that allowed just 19 goals in 24 games. Three seniors from that group graduated, but two key players, goalie Rylee Hanes and defender Danielle Satterwhite return to anchor the group. Hanes is committed to Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Satterwhite is committed to UCLA. In an effort to help bolster the back line, Chico State University commit Marissa Destefani will move to defensive center midfield.

The Stallions will be strong at forward, where UCLA commit Isabella Bellinghausen will patrol looking for goals. Joining her will be sophomore Rachel Hall and junior Heidi Ramirez, both first-year varsity

L to R: CJ Ursetta, Sebastian Much, Jordan Alvarado and the JSerra boys basketball team will have a new coach and a new style this season. Photo: Courtesy

players.

“It’s a brand new team. We’ve got so many new starters that for them, it’s just learning how to play together and reading each other and finding each other out on the field,” coach Farrel Moore said. “It’s very competitive right now for starting spots and it’s a good group.”

The Stallions defeated Irvine and Yorba Linda, and lost to Dana Hills, to start its season. —Steve Breazeale JSERRA CATHOLIC BOYS BASKETBALL The JSerra boys basketball team will be under the guidance of first-year head coach Zach Brogdon as it heads into the

new season, and the team has been adapting to the up-tempo, hard-nosed style of play that Brogdon’s teams in the past have been known for.

Brogdon comes to JSerra after spending seven years as the head coach at Capistrano Valley Christian. He helped turn the CVCS program into a small-school power, and now, he said, he is ready to build something new at JSerra.

“We are going to be a team that works hard and has a high-energy culture,” Brogdon said. “We want to hang our hat on our ability to defend and rebound.”

The focal point of the Lions team centers around versatile 6-foot-8 forward Sebastian Much, a Princeton commit. Much has the ability to stretch the floor and defend any position, Brogdon said. Much scored 30 and 24 points in the Lions first two wins of the season over Newport Harbor and Long Beach Jordan, respectively.

Surrounding Much are returning juniors Jordan Alvarado and spot-up shooter Omeed Fakhimi.

The Lions’ roster will get a huge boost in January, when several impact transfers will be eligible to play. Junior JT Robinson, 6-foot-10 junior Joel Mensah, and sophomore Kevin White are all players that will log major minutes once they are eligible, Brogdon said. —SB ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL

L to R: Rylee Hanes, Isabella Bellinghausen, Danielle Satterwhite and Marissa Destefani make up a strong core of returning veterans for the San Juan Hills girls soccer team. Photo: Steve Breazeale

The Capistrano Dispatch December 9–22, 2016

BOYS BASKETBALL In an effort to pick up where they left off last season, the St. Margaret’s boys basketball team is looking for another chance

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Tyler Horgan (31) will lead the St. Margaret’s boys basketball team into the new season. Photo: Courtesy

to compete for the Academy League title.

Last year, a majority of the starters were young, but now with a whole season under their belts, head coach Brian Carmer has high hopes for this now rather experienced squad.

The Tartans impressive 10-2 finish in league last year came as a slight disappointment, as the flu bug made its rounds late in the year and sidelined two starters down the stretch, and even held them out of the team’s first-round playoff loss to Vistamar.

What Carmer described as “a really competitive, tight-knit group,” the potential of this year’s team stretches even further than it did last year.

Senior guard Tyler Horgan will be the go-to returning player to watch this season. Carmer explains that along with fellow seniors Brennan Campbell, Nick Visconti, and junior Jay Phansalkar, this Tartan team will have a solid nucleus.

“These are all returning guys that just contributed last year. They’re just going (Cont. on page 26) www.thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS riors are off to a 6-1 start to their season.

—Victor Carno

(Cont. from page 25) to have to step up and do even more (this season),” Carmer said.

These four standouts, combined with the return of junior guard Ryan Cragun, who suffered from an ankle injury last season, is sure to make the dreams of chasing the Academy League title and CIF berth that much more possible.

St. Margaret’s is off to a good start in its own tournament, the Tartan Classic, which began this week. St. Margaret’s earned convincing wins over Pacific Ridge and Jurupa Hills in pool play, and will play crosstown rival Capistrano Valley Christian on Dec. 9. —Franki Darnold GIRLS SOCCER Moving up a division in the CIF-SS postseason will prove to be a test for the St. Margaret’s girls soccer team, but they believe they are ready for the challenge.

The Tartans are making a jump up from Division 4 to Division 3. “(We’re in Division 3) but our goals are still the same. We want to win our league and we want to advance as far as we can into CIF playoffs,” head coach Johnny Marmelstein said.

The Tartans return plenty of players with experience from last year’s team, which advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 4 Championships.

Marmelstein is confident his players will be able to compete in the postseason, even though their opponents will be different. Taking care of their own play will be enough to carry this group of girls through to their new competition.

“We have kids who really want to be successful, not just on the soccer field, but they want to be successful in the classroom and they want to be successful in life, so it’s easy to motivate them,” Marmelstein said.

The Tartans were fueled by a high-powered offense that averaged 3.6 goals per game last season, and much of that same core returns. The Tartans will look to seniors Blake Crawley and Anne Otterbein for leadership as well as a high level of

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN

L to R: Niki Miles, Kate Ramm, Anne Otterbein, Cailin Young and the St. Margaret’s girls soccer team are ready for new competition this year. Photo: Franki Darnold

play. Returners Lauren McCaffrey, one of the team’s leading scorers last season, and junior Cailin Young add valuable depth.

According to Marmelstein, the team’s goalkeeping play will be crucial to their success this season. Sophomore goalie Niki Miles is the returning starter, and they have a solid backup in sophomore Kennedy Barlow.

The Tartans were scheduled to open their season playing in the Linfield Christian tournament on Dec. 8. —FD SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN BOYS BASKETBALL After being bumped up two divisions in CIF-SS postseason competition to Division 3AA, the Saddleback Valley Christian boys basketball team is rising to the occasion by picking up the pace. Head coach Tom Lewis is vamping up his veteran-heavy team by running the court throughout the entirety of every game.

“This season we will be running a full court, man-to-man defense throughout our games,” Lewis said. “We want to play fast and keep constant pressure on the guards.

Luckily, we are in tremendous shape at the

Garin Green, left, and Jackson Miller return with experience for the Capistrano Valley Christian boys basketball team. Photo: Steve Breazeale

The Capistrano Dispatch December 9–22, 2016

start of this season, whereas some teams have to play into shape.”

All but one member of last season’s team is returning this season, only adding to this team’s chemistry.

“I have to say that this is the best team I’ve ever had. The team is filled with tremendous character, and everyone likes each other,” Lewis said.

Led by senior Trey Smith, who won the Orange County scoring title last year, the team’s goal is to bring the school its first-ever CIF-SS championship. The Warriors came close last year, but fell short in the CIF-SS Division 5AA semifinals.

The team also advanced to the CIF State Division 5 Regional semifinals.

“It’s not about personal accolades. All of us are focused on the team and leaving behind the legacy as the first team to bring home the championship,” Smith said.

Senior co-captain Trey Mena, who stands at 6-foot-4, adds length to the Warriors’ already impressive frontcourt, which features 6-foot-10 junior forward Jordan Taylor.

The team’s high intensity style of play has already paid dividends, as the War-

BOYS BASKETBALL With only 10 players on its roster, firstyear head coach Jeff Beeler implemented an interesting strategy for rotating players onto the court for the Capistrano Valley Christian boys basketball team.

Beeler, who comes to CVCS after nine years at Sage Hill, has allowed his players to sub themselves out when they need a break.

If they feel the need to get back in, they have permission to sub themselves back in.

The substitution method is all part of a free-flowing, up-tempo style that Beeler has brought with him this season. Beeler wants his team to press full court on defense, and slash and kick its way to points on offense.

“It’s a fun style of play for these guys, and that allows me to get into the bench a bit,” Beeler said. “We only have 10 guys so if these guys come out, they get a breather and go back in.”

The Eagles lost four All-League and AllCIF-SS players to graduation, and return just two seniors with varsity experience.

Senior Garin Green, an All-League football player, has the most experience of the squad and is leading at the point guard position. Green averaged 7.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 15 games as a junior. In the Eagles run through the competitive Canyon-Esperanza tournament last month, he was named to the alltournament team after averaging 11 points and six rebounds per game.

Senior Jackson Miller returns, along with juniors Jeff Yan, an improved forward, Troy Kihm and Paul Stache.

There was no set schedule in place when Beeler arrived on campus, and the staff had to scramble to find opponents in the early going. CVCS has held its own playing against larger public schools like Canyon, Compton and Hesperia, and owns a 2-3 overall record. —SB

The Saddleback Valley Christian boys basketball team wants to play at a high-tempo this season.

Photo: Victor Carno

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